AN extra £20m will be pumpied into a scheme to will help North-East youngsters into work.

The Government has released a fresh cash pot to help its traineeships programme and get students into apprenticeships.

The traineeships, which started in August, offer 16 to 23-year-olds the opportunity to learn skills which employers need.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Traineeships give young people the helping hand they need to compete for apprenticeships and other jobs.

“The programme is off to an excellent start with strong backing from employers and training providers.

“We have responded to this demand by providing further investment and in time traineeships will become the clear route for young people looking to get the crucial grounding for the world of work.”